By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump said on April 7 that he would suspend planned U.S. military strikes against Iran for two weeks, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts and a request from Pakistani leadership.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged a pause to allow negotiations to continue. The suspension is conditional on Iran agreeing to a “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump described the move as part of a broader effort to reach a long-term peace agreement, adding that Iran’s proposed framework for negotiations could serve as a workable foundation. He said most elements of prior proposals had already been agreed upon and expressed optimism that the two-week window could help finalize a deal.
The president characterized the pause as a “double-sided ceasefire,” noting that U.S. military objectives had largely been achieved and that discussions toward lasting peace in the Middle East were at an advanced stage.
Iran Signals Conditional Cooperation
Following the announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a statement on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Council, welcoming the diplomatic efforts and thanking Pakistan for its mediation role.
The statement indicated that Iran would halt defensive operations if attacks against the country ceased. It also said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could be restored for the two-week period, subject to coordination with Iranian armed forces and logistical considerations.
Araghchi noted that the development was influenced by both Iran’s own proposal and a broader peace framework put forward by Pakistan.
Escalation Preceded Cease-Fire Move
The cease-fire announcement came after a period of escalating military activity. U.S. and Israeli forces had intensified strikes on Iranian targets earlier the same day. The United States Central Command confirmed it had launched overnight drone attacks, while Israeli forces reported targeting key infrastructure, including bridge segments across Iran.
In the hours leading up to Trump’s original deadline, tensions appeared to peak. Gulf states reported missile and drone attacks launched from Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Trump had previously warned of severe consequences for Iran, including potential strikes on its energy infrastructure, in response to disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, had threatened to escalate its military actions and target neighboring Gulf states.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role
Pakistan played a central role in de-escalating the situation. Earlier on April 7, Prime Minister Sharif publicly appealed for an extension to allow diplomacy to proceed, urging both sides to take confidence-building steps, including reopening the strategic waterway.
The White House confirmed it had received Pakistan’s proposal and was reviewing it before Trump’s final decision to delay military action.
With the temporary cease-fire now in place, attention turns to whether the two-week pause will lead to a lasting agreement or merely delay further conflict in a highly volatile region.
Original article
Comments